Sunday, May 30, 2010

The colors on this image are a little off, it is a bit more muted, but you get the idea. The next issue of Scoot! just arrived at the warehouse and is shipping, now. Shops should get their copies by June 4th, bookstores should have theirs by June 11th and subscribers should have theirs by the end of the month, depending upon how remote they are.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Unfortunately, Scoot! Josh had to cancel his trip to AmeriVespa, so we are not in "'da house." But there are several friends who are and I can watch their videos and check out their photos and almost feel as if I'm there.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

According to a new press release out today, Arai is a top dog of the helmet satisfaction survey again:

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Highly Satisfied Motorcycle Helmet Owners Are Notably More Likely to Repurchase the Same Helmet Brand

Arai Ranks Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Motorcycle Helmets for a 12th Consecutive Year

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 20 May 2010 — Highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners are approximately 10 times more likely to repurchase the same helmet brand, compared with owners with lower levels of satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudySM released today.

The study finds that brand loyalty is tied directly to owner satisfaction, as 41 percent of highly satisfied motorcycle helmet owners (satisfaction scores averaging higher than 900 on a 1,000-point scale) indicate they “definitely will” repurchase the same brand. Conversely, only a small percentage (4%) of helmet owners who are dissatisfied (satisfaction scores averaging lower than 550) say the same.

“As new-motorcycle sales have declined considerably during the past few years, the market for motorcycle helmets has also dwindled,” said Todd Markusic, senior director of the powersports practice at
J.D. Power and Associates. “As a result, it’s more important than ever for motorcycle helmet manufacturers to ensure their current customers are highly satisfied, increasing the likelihood that they’ll return to the brand the next time they are in the market for a new helmet. Since owners typically replace their helmets every three to four years, fostering customer loyalty may bring substantial benefit to the bottom line for manufacturers.”

Regardless of the actual price paid for a new helmet, motorcycle owners who are highly satisfied with their helmet also say they believe they received a great value. Overall, 57 percent of highly satisfied helmet owners rate the value for the price they paid as “outstanding,” while only 4 percent of those with low satisfaction indicate the same.

“In addition, satisfaction levels tend to rise as the price of the helmet increases,” said Markusic. “Quite simply, motorcycle helmets appear to be a product where you truly get what you pay for, in terms of comfort and fit.”

The study measures overall satisfaction of motorcyclists with their new helmet in three key factors: ventilation, face shield, and design and styling. These three factors are comprised of 11 attributes: quietness; ventilation/air flow; de-fogging performance; face shield ability to keep wind out; face shield ability to resist scratching; ease of replacing face shield; scratch resistance of shell; color/graphic design; weight; ease of fastening the strap; and fit and comfort.

Arai ranks highest in customer satisfaction for a 12th consecutive year with a score of 836 and performs particularly well across nearly all measures. Shoei follows in the rankings with 827, while Icon ranks third with 826.

Overall industry satisfaction averages 784 in 2010, up 18 points from 2009—the highest level since the study’s inception in 1999. This improvement in satisfaction is driven mainly by increases in satisfaction with ventilation/air flow; fit and comfort; color/graphic design; and scratch resistance of shell. Harley-Davidson has improved considerably, up 25 points from 2009, because of increases in satisfaction with ventilation/air flow; fit and comfort; and color/graphic design. Despite ranking below the industry average, Bell and Fulmer also improved notably—up 55 points and 39 points, respectively, from 2009.

The 2010 U.S. Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 4,800 purchasers of new 2009 model-year motorcycles who provided information about their most recent helmet purchase experience and helmet use. The study was fielded August through October 2009.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a global information and education company providing knowledge, insights and analysis in the financial, education and business information sectors through leading brands including Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts, and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2009 were $5.95 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I just heard about this new venue for scooter racing. From what I have heard New Jersey Mini Gran Prix has been around for a while, but the organizers are looking to increase scooters in their ranks. Races are held at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. The following race days will accommodate scooters:

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Just got a brief email announcing that SYM-USA has dropped their prices. Now's the time to buy that HD you have been longing for.
Most everything is 2010 models.
Citycom 300i: was $5,498 now $4,699
RV250: was $4,988 now $4,499
SYMBA: was $2,598 now $2,399
HD200: was $3,799 now $3,399
HD125: was $3,298 now $2,698 (great buy)
Fiddle II125: was $2,598 now $2,298
MIO: was $2,268 now $1,969
Fiddle II 50: was $1,998 now $1,798

Friday, May 07, 2010

Did you know that the first Friday in May is International Female Ride Day? If not, don't be ashamed. Its a relatively new event created in 2007 for Canadian riders by Motoress, a website encouraging women to ride. The event has gained momentum each year, especially with the introduction of the United States and some European countries. Now with social media platforms exploding the group has used Facebook to spread the word.

The goal of the event is simple: "Just Ride." So ladies, On Your Bike!

Monday, May 03, 2010

College radio station KFJC in Los Altos, CA is doing a 24-hour James Brown marathon:

Monday Mayhem 3 to Tuesday Mayhem 4 Midnight to Midnight Doing it to Death
KFJC's 3rd annual birthday tribute to James Brown. A Massive showcase of the legacy of James Brown's music and influence on popular culture. Rare, unreleased and live material. Musician profiles & interviews, featuring an address by "History of Funk" author and professor, Ricky Vincent.

Get it at Amazon

About Me

I like old stuff. Find me either on a scooter or at estate sales on the weekends. Glad to not have grown up yet. I like my backyard on a sunny day. Favorite things: the smell of 2-stroke smoke (really!), wind, lemonade, road trips, word games, clean sheets.